Daniel Burkett will return to Belardi Auto Racing for his second season in the Mazda Road to Indy program. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native piloted the No. 4 for Belardi Auto Racing last year and continued to show progress throughout the season. At the penultimate event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Burkett had a strong performance all weekend and brought home his first top-five finish in 2013.

The Canadian started racing at 9-years-old when he began a very successful karting career including several podiums which led to Junior Championship titles. In 2011, he became the first Manitoban to become part of Team Canada at the 2011 Rotax World Finals which was held in the United Arab Emirates.

"We are pleased to have Daniel return to our team for 2014," said Brian Belardi, team owner. "When he first ran with us I was impressed by how quickly he made the transition from karting to cars. Over the 2013 season he made great improvements, so we're excited to see him continue to move forward in his career with us. I'm so happy he got his first USF2000 top five with us last season and I will be excited to see him challenging for podiums and race wins as well. Daniel has a great attitude on and off the track so we're thrilled for him to join the line-up again in 2014."

"I am very excited to be joining Belardi for my sophomore year in USF2000," said Burkett. "In 2013 we showed great promise and I felt my growth throughout the year was substantial. Brian (Belardi) and the entire staff were nothing short of amazing in their enthusiasm to help me get to the front. I believe that with the experience and momentum gained from the 2013 we can hit the ground running in 2014."

Burkett continued, "It also occurred to me that Belardi has never had a second year driver on their USF2000 roster; it has always been a full rookie line-up. I believe that Belardi would have already won at least one USF2000 championship if they would have had an opportunity to work with a second or third year driver."

The 2014 USF2000 series will commence on March 29 on the streets of St. Petersburg for Round 1 with the IndyCar Series season-opener on the 1.8-mile street course.

About Belardi Auto Racing

Belardi Auto Racing is a Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda and Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires team based in Brownsburg, Indiana. 2012 brought two race wins, 12 podiums, 20 top-five finishes and 50 top-tens. Additionally, the 2011 season saw two wins, 10 podiums, 17 top-fives and 36 top-tens. Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook or their official website, www.BelardiAutoRacing.com.